sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, shortages of antibacterial materials can increase the risk of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis among newborns, Maram Al Shurafa, an aid worker for the NGO, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) in Gaza, told CNN. Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025 Complications of bird flu can include but are not limited to pneumonia, respiratory failure, multi-organ failure, sepsis and inflammation of the brain (meningoencephalitis). Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025 Infection Infection is a rare cause of pain and swelling in the MTP joint, which can lead to a serious medical condition called sepsis. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 17 Jan. 2025 Dee, 61, shared a health update on his official Facebook page Thursday, revealing that he was recently hospitalized for three weeks with sepsis. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sepsis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sepsis was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near sepsis

Cite this Entry

“Sepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sepsis. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun
sep·​sis ˈsep-səs How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz How to pronounce sepsis (audio)
: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia

More from Merriam-Webster on sepsis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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